This week, the groundhog saw its shadow. That means six more weeks of winter. Even though it will be a little longer until warm spring days (sigh), there is now a little extra time to complete those tree projects that are best to tackle during winter. These projects include protecting trees and plants with horticultural oil, winter tree pruning, and tree cabling. Below is helpful information on tree cabling. (See here info on horticultural oil and winter tree pruning.) In these next six weeks, take a look at how well trees on your property are doing structurally. Seeing the full structure of a tree is more difficult once leaves emerge. So, take advantage of this opportunity in the next six weeks!
NEWS & BLOGS
Protect your trees during the cold winter months. Horticultural oils, otherwise known as dormant oils, are an ideal preventative measure to take in winter. Oils work by suffocating insects and larvae. The sprayed oil clogs their spiracles (i.e., breathing pores). Also, the oil dries out their exoskeletons. To note oil only affects the development process of certain insects. They are environmentally friendly and less harmful to predators than other techniques.
During winter, when deciduous trees shed their leaves, it’s the best time to see the architecture and branch structure of a tree. This makes winter the perfect time for tree inspection and structural pruning. And there is less pressure in the winter from tree pests and pathogens which allows us to do our jobs more effectively.
Wintertime is right around the corner. As temperatures drop across North Carolina most trees lay bare for the season, but not winter-flowering trees! Something about seeing blooms even on the coldest night makes us hold tight to the hope that spring will be here before we know it. If you are looking to update your yard with trees to bloom this winter, we have a list of the top 5 winter-flowering trees for NC yard.
For the “do-it-yourself” homeowner, outsourcing tree work may seem like an unnecessary expense. But in reality, the costs of tackling tree care on your own can run high – damaged property, hospital bills, and a ruined landscape aren’t cheap.
Trees and shrubs need water + sunlight + nutrient-rich soil to thrive in their environments. When trees and shrubs fail to thrive, a common issue we see is soil heavily compacted and lacking the necessary nutrients. We want your trees and shrubs to prosper! That is why we highly recommend having your properties soil tested. Soil testing is the first step to take in combatting heavy soil compaction.
What is soil compaction anyway? Soil compaction is when soil particles, pressed heavily together, reduces the possibility of water absorption and drainage. Heavily compacted soil is a problem for your yard because trees and shrubs can't grow roots and absorb water or oxygen as easily. Different stressors to the environment can create compacted soil. These stressors can include; new construction, heavy machinery, heavy foot/vehicle traffic.
Soil testing is needed to learn if the soil is heavily compacted and lacking nutrients essential to support proper growth. Through soil testing, we can tell how good or poor the soil is and then make concrete recommendations to match a new tree and/or improve the soil for an existing tree.
Here's how the soil testing process works :
Step 1: The Arborist will first assess tree placement and determine the proper soil testing site. The actual soil test will occur after the initial consultation has taken place.
Step 2: A soil sample is excavated from the property, preferably within the drip line of a tree. The Arborist removes any grass or rock from the testing sample to ensure accurate results.
Step 3: The Arborist will take about 4-5 soil samples for one reading. The results from the reading will come back within 7 - 10 days. You will receive the results along with a free, 15-minute consultation.
Although tree and shrub management can occur in every season, the fall is a great time to have your properties soil tested. If you'd like to speak with a Certified Arborist to learn more, click the link below.
We see a lot of tree and shrub issues across all parts of North Carolina, but the issue we see the most of is improper planting.
The fall season is here! In honor of the fall, we have a list of the five best tree and plant practices you'll want to accomplish in your yard this autumn. Take good care for your trees and plants by following these five best practices listed below.
Charlotte, NC - Stephen Weil has joined Carolina Tree Care (CTC) as the new Plant Health Care (PHC) Manager. PHC is a proactive approach to monitoring and maintaining the health of trees, shrubs, and groundcover. Optimal results are achieved through preventive care for stress management, frequent monitoring, and early detection of problems, informed decision making, and integrated treatments that provide long-term solutions.
